Amman, Oct. 15 (Petra) -- The Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) convened discussions with a high-level delegation from the League of Arab States on Tuesday to explore ways of strengthening strategic collaboration in the fields of public health, training, and capacity building, as well as enhancing technical cooperation and support for national health systems across the Arab region.
The meeting aimed to reinforce institutional partnerships between EMPHNET and the Arab League, aligning their efforts with the priorities of the Council of Arab Health Ministers and supporting sustainable health development in member states.
Dr. Mohannad Al-Nsour, Executive Director of EMPHNET, highlighted the importance of advancing joint strategic efforts that respond to the evolving needs of public health as defined by national, regional, and international authorities. He stressed the value of empowering all categories of healthcare professionals, not only physicians, to build resilient and inclusive health systems.
Al-Nsour noted that EMPHNET’s presence in multiple countries has enabled it to utilize its 15 years of experience to implement effective, evidence-based health initiatives that have strengthened public health outcomes across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Dr. Raed Al-Shboul, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, affirmed the depth of cooperation among Arab states in the health sector and emphasized the importance of unified action and knowledge exchange to enhance regional capacity building. He also highlighted Jordan’s ongoing contributions in combating epidemics and communicable diseases and its humanitarian and medical support to Gaza, including the establishment of field hospitals, provision of medical aid, and treatment of wounded Palestinians in Jordanian hospitals.
Dr. Maisa Hadmi, Director of the Health and Humanitarian Aid Department at the Arab League, said the League is working through the Council of Arab Health Ministers to strengthen Arab health security, foster effective public health partnerships, and develop Arab capabilities across healthcare disciplines. She praised EMPHNET’s contributions in the Arab region and expressed the League’s interest in developing both short- and long-term cooperation programs with the network. She also recommended inviting EMPHNET and the International Academy of Public Health to participate in upcoming sessions of the Council.
Dr. Hatem Al-Rawabi, from the League’s Health and Humanitarian Aid Department, noted that the League is currently advancing several initiatives, including capacity building for healthcare professionals, raising awareness about cervical cancer, and promoting the One Health initiative that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
The meeting, attended by Dr. Adel Al-Balbisi, Director of the National Center for Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, and Dr. Radwan Abu Dames, Adviser to the Center, reviewed ongoing areas of cooperation between the participating institutions. Discussions reaffirmed the importance of strengthening regional partnerships in training, capacity development, and implementation of the resolutions of the Council of Arab Health Ministers.
Participants also addressed the legal and administrative framework for recognizing EMPHNET as an official partner institution within the Arab League, a step that would enhance its institutional presence and open broader avenues for regional collaboration.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to unifying Arab efforts to advance sustainable health development and enhance the public health system through innovative solutions and effective regional cooperation that address emerging health challenges across the Arab world.
//Petra// RZ
